New Zealand Ends 90-Day Trial Periods For Work Visa Holders

New Zealand has announced the end of the  90-day trial periods in employment contracts for individuals on Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV).

The primary objective of these changes is to foster equitable treatment within employment agreements for Work Visa holders and to address genuine labour shortages.

One of the implications of the removal of 90-day trial periods is that employers are now obliged to hire migrant workers only when there is a demonstrable demand for their labour or a specific skills gap to be filled.

In addition to this change, there are other key amendments to the AEWV Category. Accredited employers who place migrants in specific construction occupations must now ensure that at least 35% of their labour-hire workforce consists of New Zealand citizens and residents in full-time employment.

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Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has also updated the AEWV assessment process, leading to longer processing times. Employers seeking accreditation and job checks are advised to apply at least six weeks in advance to account for these extended processing times.

This adjustment aims to streamline the accreditation process while ensuring the highest standards in employer-employee relationships.

The removal of trial periods in employment agreements means that such provisions are no longer permitted. Individuals considering employment with New Zealand employers should carefully review their employment agreements to ensure they do not include a trial period.

In the event that a trial period is present, it is advisable to contact INZ promptly to seek resolution and clarification. Additionally, the processing times for AEWV applications have increased, necessitating a proactive approach from employers.

To ensure a smooth and timely application process, employers are encouraged to apply well in advance for both accreditation and job checks.

Furthermore, these changes will also have an impact on new applications under the Immigration Green List. New Zealand has expanded its Green List to encompass various professions in construction, information technology, automotive, and engineering.

This expansion creates opportunities for professionals in these fields to utilize Green List visas when seeking specialized talent that may not be readily available within the local workforce.